Incinerating commode

ABSTRACT

An incinerating commode for use in disposing of human waste. The incinerating commode includes a commode body having seat means operatively associated therewith whereby the commode can be used for receiving waste deposited by a human. A combustion chamber is located below and operatively associated with the commode body whereby human waste can fall by gravity from the commode body into the combustion chamber. Closure means is operatively supported between the commode body and the combustion chamber for effecting a closure of the combustion chamber during an incinerating operation. Cyclically operable heat source means is operatively associated with the combustion chamber for incinerating human waste deposited therein. The combustion chamber includes means defining a confined passageway surrounding the combustion chamber and including cyclically operable blower means for effecting a flow of air through the passageway during a combustion operation. An elongated conduit means is operatively associated with the combustion chamber for conveying by-products of combustion therethrough and includes filter means operatively associated therewith for filtering ash being removed from the combustion chamber. Blower means is operatively associated with the combustion chamber for purging the ash by-products of combustion from the combustion chamber in response to completion of an incinerating operation. The combustion chamber includes comminuting means operatively associated therewith for reducing the particle size of waste material being incinerated and includes additional comminuting means operatively associated therewith for reducing the particle size of ash by-products of combustion remaining after an incinerating operation and prior to blowing the ash through the elongated conduit means into the filter means. Fluid dispensing means including selectively operable control means is operatively associated with the commode body for dispensing a predetermined amount of cleansing fluid into the commode body. The incinerating commode includes selectively operable control means for initiating an incinerating operation and further includes time control means for controlling the combustion chamber operation, including incinerating, cooling and purging steps.

United States Patent [191 West, Jr.

[4 1 Oct. 14, 1975 INCINERATING CONIMODE James I. West, Jr., 7856Feilder Road, Jonesboro, Ga. 30236 [76] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 4/131; 110/9 R [51] Int. Cl A47k 11/02 [58] Field of Search4/131, 10, 118; 55/461,

55/434, DIG. 37, 529, 385, 387; 110/9 E, 9 R

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,678,450 5/1954 Simpson etal. 4/13] X 2,768,386 10/1956 Graef et a1 4/131 2,882,534 4/1959 Jauchet a1 4/l3l 3,032,776 5/1962 Obert et a] 4/131 X 3,139,626 7/1964Blankenship... 110/9 E 3,319,588 5/1967 Duncan 4/131 X 3,320,907 5/1967Duncan 110/9 R 3,338,191 8/1967 Frankel et a1... 1 10/9 R 3,486,17412/1969 Nordstedt 4/l3l 3,522,613 8/1970 Botsford 4/131 3,638,402 6/1970Thomas 55/385 X Primary ExaminerI-lenry K. Artis Attorney, Agent, orFirm.loe 0. Bolt, Jr.

[57] ABSTRACT An incinerating commode for use in disposing of humanwaste. The incinerating commode includes a commode body having seatmeans operatively associated therewith whereby the commode can be usedfor receiving waste deposited by a human. A combustion chamber islocated below and operatively associated with the commode body wherebyhuman waste can fall by gravity from the commode body into thecombustion chamber. Closure means is operatively supported between thecommode body and the combustion chamber for effecting a closure of thecombustion chamber during an incinerating operation. Cyclically operableheat. source means is operatively associated with the combustion chamberfor incinerating human waste deposited therein. The combustion chamberincludes means defining a confined passageway surrounding the combustionchamber and including cyclically operable blower means for effecting aflow of air through the passageway during a combustion operation. Anelongated conduit means is operatively associated with the combustionchamber for conveying byproducts of combustion therethrough and includesfilter means operatively associated therewith for filtering ash beingremoved from the combustion chamber. Blower means is operativelyassociated with the combustion chamber for purging the ash by-productsof combustion from the combustion chamber in response to completion ofan incinerating operation. The combustion chamber includes comminutingmeans operatively associated therewith for reducing the particle size ofwaste material being incinerated and includes additional comminutingmeans operatively associated therewith for reducing the particle size ofash byproducts of combustion remaining after an incinerating operationand prior to blowing the ash through the elongated conduit means intothe filter means. Fluid dispensing means including selectively operablecon trol means is operatively associated with the commode body fordispensing a predetermined amount of cleansing fluid into the commodebody. The incinerating commode includes selectively operable controlmeans for initiating an incinerating operation and further includes timecontrol means for controlling the combustion chamber operation,including incinerating, cooling and purging steps.

10 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent 0a. 14, 1975 Sheet 1 of73,911,506

US. Patent Oct. 14, 1975 Sheet 2 of7 3,911,506

hm QN 1m l l l l I US. Patent Oct. 14, 1975 Sheet 3 of7 3,911,506

U.S. Patent Oct. 14, 1975 Sheet 4 of7 3,911,506

FIG 6 US. Patent Oct.14,1975 Sheet60f7 3,911,506

US. Patent Oct. 14, 1975 Sheet 7 of7 3,911,506

FIG l2 1 INCINERATING COMMODE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION plants havebeen severely strained and many such plants have been unable tosatisfactorily process the increased waste of the community. Suchinadequacy of sewage plant facilities has necessitated the expansion ofthe facilities at great expense to the taxpayers. In addition, theinadequacy of the sewage treatment facilities has also led to thepollution of streams and rivers normally used for water supply andrecreational facilities.

In remote areas where sewage treatment facilities are not available,septic tank means are often employed to dispose of the human waste. Aseptic tank utilizes bacterial action in the tank to dispose of solidwaste and utilizes a subterranean drainage field for disposing of theliquid waste. However, in certain areas where the soil conditions arenot satisfactory, utilization of septic tanks creates unhealthyconditions in their use. A number of municipalities have adopted strictcodes to regulate the use of septic tanks.

In remote areas where a sewage treatment facility is not available andwherein septic tanks are not feasible, oxidation ponds are employed todispose of human waste. In utilizing oxidation ponds, a fungus isutilized to dispose of the solid waste with the liquid waste beingdisposed of through evaporation or surface drainage means. The use ofoxidation ponds requires a large ground area and is unattractive inappearance.

A number of attempts have been made to devise chemical and incineratingcommode facilities for use in disposing of human waste. However, theprior art chemical and incinerating human waste disposal apparatus areextremely complex in construction and operation, uneconomical tomanufacture and unreliable in performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above indicated disadvantages of the priorart have been overcome by the present invention which basically includesan upwardly open commode body disposed above an incinerating combustionchamber wherein the human waste can be deposited in the commode body andallowed to fall by gravity into the combustion chamber. The combustionchamber includes waste comminuting means for reducing the particle sizeof human waste to be incinerated and includes heat source meansoperative for incinerating the comminuted human waste. Additionalcomminuting means is provided in the combustion chamber for reducing theparticle size of the ash remaining after an incinerating operation.

Confined passage means is defined surrounding the combustion chamberwhereby a cooling medium can be introduced therein for cooling thecombustion chamber during an incinerating operation.

One feature of the present invention includes an air chamber locatedbetween the commode body and the combustion chamber and having movableclosure means operatively associated therewith for closing the airchamber during an incinerating operation. Blower means is operativelyassociated with the air chamber and cyclically controlled for effectinga flow of air through the confined cooling passageway surrounding thecombustion chamber during an incinerating operation and for effecting aflow of air through the combustion chamber in response to completion ofan incinerating operation whereby the ash remaining therein can beconveyed along an elongated conduit means into a filter meansoperatively associated therewith.

Another feature of the present invention includes the provision ofliquid trap means for retaining the liquid waste in an area immediatelyadjacent the combustion chamber whereby the intense heat developedduring an incinerating operation will evaporate the liquid waste.

Fluid flushing means is connected to the commode body and controlled byselectively operable means for dispensing a predetermined amount ofcleansing fluid into the commode body.

An additional feature of the present invention includes time controlmeans operable for effecting an automatic cycle of incinerating and ashremoval operation.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide anincinerating commode effective for disposing of human waste.

Another object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commodewhereby the human waste can be transferred from the commode body to acombustion chamber by gravity.

A further object of this invention is to provide means for cooling thecombustion chamber during an incinerating operation.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an incineratingcommode having means for reducing the particle size of waste to beincinerated.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an incineratingcommode having means for reducing the particle size of ash materialremaining in the combustion chamber after an incinerating operation.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an incineratingcommode having cyclically operable means for transferring the ashby-products of combustion from the combustion chamber to a filtercollection means.

Another object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commodehaving a confined cooling passageway surrounding the combustion chamberwith cyclically operable control means operable for effecting a flow ofcooling air in the confined passageway during a combustion operation andoperable for effecting a flow of air through the combustion chamber totransfer ash therefrom in response to completion of a combustionoperation.

A further object of this invention is to provide an incinerating commodehaving means for trapping liquid waste adjacent a combustion chamberwhereby intense heat developed in the combustion chamber will evaporatethe liquid waste material.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an incineratingcommode having an air chamber located between a commode body and acombustion chamber and including selectively operable closure meansoperable for initiating an incinerating operation and cyclicallycontrolled for movement to open condition in response to completion ofan incinerating operation.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an incineratingcommode having selectively operable dispensing means for dispensing aflushing fluid into the commode body.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide incinerating meansoperatively associated with a commode body and including selectivelyoperable fluid dispensing means for cleansing the combustion chamber.

Another object of this invention is to provide an incinerating meansoperatively associated with a commode body and including means forautomatically purging the combustion chamber of both gas and ashby-products of combustion in response to completion of an incineratingoperation.

A further object of this invention is to provide incinerating commodehaving means for confining a liquid cooling medium around a combustionchamber for effecting a cooling of the combustion chamber and forutilizing the heat developed in the combustion chamber to heat theliquid cooling medium surrounding the combustion chamber.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an incineratingcommode having a closure means selectively movable between open andclosed conditions and including means for conditioning the incineratingcommode for receiving human waste in response to moving the closuremeans to an open condition.

An additional object of this invention is to provide an incineratingcommode operable for the disposal of human waste which is simple inconstruction and operation, economical to manufacture and reliable inperformance.

These and other objects and advantages in the details of constructionwill become apparent upon reading the following description of theillustrative embodiments of the invention with reference to the attacheddrawings wherein like reference numerals have been used to refer to likeparts throughout the several figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is an exploded perspective viewof an incinerating commode embodying the principles of the presentinvention, with certain parts being removed for purpose of clarity, andcertain other parts shown broken away for purpose of clarity;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantiallylongitudinally through the combustion chamber of the incineratingcommodes shown in FIG. 1, with certain parts broken away and shown insection forpurpose of clarity;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 3-3of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the operation ofone of the closure means and a comminuting roller associated therewith;

FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially midway throughFIG. 2, with certain parts omitted for purpose of clarity;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational as seen from the front of FIG. 2,with certain parts omitted and certain parts broken away and shown insection for purpose of clarity;

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view showing one form of a filter meansoperatively associated with the combustion chamber of the incineratingcommode;

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view showing a modified form of filtermeans adapted to be associated with .the

combustion chamber of the incinerating commode of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional.

view showing a modified form of comminuting means operatively associatedwith the incinerating commode combustion chamber;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view showingstill another modification of a comminuting means operatively associatedwith the incinerating commode combustion chamber;

FIG. 11 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially along line11l1 of FIG. 10; I

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of a modification of the combustionchamber heat source means;

FIG. 13 is a schematic elevational view as seen from the bottom edge ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a schematic elevational view taken substantiallylongitudinally through FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view showing a inodifica tion of acombustion chamber cooling and comminuting means; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic elevational view as seen from the bottom edge ofFIG. 15.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS GENERAL DESCRIPTIONReferring now to the drawings, an incinerating commode embodying theprinciples of the present invention will be described with reference toa commode body 10, including commode seat and closure means; air chambermeans 30, including air chamber closure means and blower means; commodeincinerating means 70, including combustion chamber, combustion chamberclosure means, heat source means, waste comminuting means, ashcomminuting means, evaporization chamber, discharge conduit and filtermeans;

flushing supply means 170, including supply tank and l selectivelyoperable control means; a modification 2490 of combustion chamber ashfilter means; first modification 300 of combustion chamber wastecomminuting means; second modification 400 of waste comminuting means; amodification 500 of the combustion chamber cooling means; and amodification of combustion chamber heat source means 600.

The function of the commode body 10 is to provide an upwardly openreceptacle having seating means whereby a person can utilize the commodeto deposit waste therein.

The function of the air chamber means 30 is to pro vide a passagewaywhereby the. human waste can be transferred by gravity from the commodebody to the combustion chamber of the incinerating means and in cludingcyclically operable blower means for directing a flow of air around thecombustion chamber during an incinerating cycle of operation and fordirecting a flow of air through the combustion chamber to purge thecombustion chamber of gas and ash by-products of combustion after apredetermined timed cycle of incinerating operation.

The function of the incinerating means 70 is to provide a combustionchamber located directly beneath the commode body and air chamberpassageway for receiving waste transferred thereto and including heatsource means selectively operable and time controlled for automaticallydeveloping a high intense heat source within the combustion chamber toincinerate waste contained therein, including the evaporation of liquidwaste material confined in the evaporization chamber, and furtherincluding means for purging the combustion chamber of the gas and ashby-products of the combustion, with means for filtering the ash from thegas by-products.

The function of the flushing supply means 170 is to provide meansselectively operable for dispensing a predetermined amount of cleansingfluid, such as water of chemical solution, into the commode body forcleansing the commode body after use by an individual and prior to anincinerating operation of the solid and liquid waste including theliquid flushing means dispensed by the flushing supply means.

The function of the modification of the filter means 200 is to providealternate means whereby the incinerating commode can be adapted tovarious building construction requirements.

The function of the modifications 300, 400 of the waste comminutingmeans is to provide alternate means for reducing the particle size ofwaste contained in the combustion chamber to be incinerated.

The function of the modification 500 of the conbustion chamber coolingmeans is to provide a liquid cooling medium which can be used to coolthe combustion chamber and also used to provide a means for heating awater supply.

The function of the modification of the heat source means 600 is toprovide an alternate means for developing a intense heat within thecombustion chamber operable to effectively incinerate solid wastecontained therein and operable to evaporate liquid waste confined in aliquid trap means adjacent the conbustion chamber.

COMMODE BODY Referring now particularly to the FIGS. 1 and 2, the

incinerating commode includes a conventional commode body having areceiving receptacle 11 defining a upwardly open entrance passageway 12.The commode receptacle includes converging wall surface portions 13operable for funneling waste received therein through a dischargeopening 14 formed in the bottom of receptacle 11. Commode body 10includes a substantially horizontal disposed surface portion 15surrounding the upper edge of receptacle 11.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, a conventional commode seat element 16 isoperatively associated with the commode body 10. Commode seat 16includes a pair of rearwardly directed tab portions 17 having coaxialopenings 18 extending therethrough. Commode seat 16 is pivotallysupported on commode 10 by a pair of pivot support brackets 19, 20having coaxially aligned openings 21. A pivot pin means 22 is insertedthrough aligned openings 18 of seat 16 and aligned openings 21 of pivotsupport brackets 19, 20. A closure or lid means 22 is operativelyassociated with the commode body 10 for effecting a complete closure ofthe entrance passageway 12 when the seat 16 and closure 22 are moved toa horizontally supported position above peripheral surfaces 15, as shownin FIG. 2 and 3. The closure means 22 includes a rearwardly directingpivot support bracket 23 having an opening 24 extending therethrough.The bracket 23 and opening 24 are detailed to be inserted between thepivot support tabs 17 of the seat 16 and opening 24 is adapted toreceive the pivot pin 22 when inserted therethrough in an assembledrelationship. A camming element 25 is provided on the closure elementsupport bracket 23 for operating a latch release system for air chamberclosure means, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

As shown in FlG. 2, a downwardly inclined splash plate means 13a isformed integral with a wall surface portion 13 and directed rearwardlyin inclined relationship relative to opening 14. Splash plate 13a isoperable to break the fall of waste material as it descends from thecommode body through opening 14 downwardly through the air chamber andinto the combustion chamber, as will be described in more detailhereinbelow.

AIR CHAMBER MEANS As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, an air chamber means 30is provided in operative association immediately below the commode bodyexit opening 14. Air chamber 30 is substantially rectangular inconstruction and includes a front wall means 31, a pair of side wallmeans 32, 33 and a louvered rear wall means 34. Air chamber wallportions 3134 define a vertically oriented passageway communicating withexit opening 14 of the commode body for directing waste materialdownwardly therethrough into the combustion chamber 70. As shown in FIG.2, air chamber 30 includes a downwardly inclined splash plate means 35supported on front wall 31. Splash plate 35 is detailed in locationbelow the commode body splash plate 13a for receiving materialdischarged therefrom and operable for breaking the fall of material asit descends through the air chamber 30 into combustion chamber 70.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, air chamber means 30 includes a closure element36. Closure element 36 is supported directly beneath the commode bodyexit opening 14 and adjacent an upper edge of the air chamber wallsurfaces 31-34. Closure element 36 is supported by a horizontallyaligned guide track means 37. Guide track means 37 defines an outwardlydirected notch 38 operable for slideably supporting closure element 36.Guide track means 37 is substantially U-shaped and includes a forwardbase portion 39 supported along the lateral extent of front wall 31.U-shaped guide track means 37 includes a pair of leg portions 40, 41extending along air chamber side walls 32, 33, with leg portions 40, 41extending rearwardly from the air chamber means 30 and extend to supportthe closure element 36 in a open position displaced outwardly of the airchamber passageway. I

Closure element 36 is normally urged to an open position by a tensionspring 42. Tension spring 42 is connected adjacent one end to a rodelement 43 extending outwardly from closure element 36. An opposite endof spring 42 is connected to an upstanding post element 44 which ismounted by conventional means in a upper rearwardly displaced surface ofthe incinerator housing. Movement of closure element 36 to a closedposition is effected by a control handle 45 extending forwardly from rodelement 43. Control handle 45 includes a laterally extended handlegripping portion 46. Closure element 36 is latched in a forwardly movedclosed position by means of a latch element 47. Latch element 47 ispivotally supported by a cross shaft 48 which is connected at itsopposite end by conventional bracket means (not shown) to the uppersurface of guide tracks 40, 41. Latch element 47 is supportedsubstantially midway between the guide tracks 40, 41 and,

includes a camming portion 49 which is adapted to ride over the uppersurface of the closure element 36 during movement between open andclosed positions. Latch element 47 has a downwardly directed latchingsurface 50 detailed to engage a rearward edge of the closure element 36for maintaining the closure element in a forwardly displaced closedposition. Latch element 47 is spring urged in a clockwise direction(FIG. 2) about shaft 48 by a conventional torsion spring (not shown)whereby the camming surface 49 will remain in contact with the uppersurface of closure element 36 and will automatically advance thelatching surface 50 to a latching position against the rear edge ofclosure element 36 when the closure element is moved to a forwardlydisplaced position.

As shown in FIG. 2, a latch release rod 51 is provided for releasinglatch 47 whereby tension spring 42 can move the closure element 36 to aopen position. Latch release rod 51 is supported on the rear surface ofcommode body in a intermediate portion thereof by means ofa pair ofvertically aligned sleeve elements 52, 53. An upper extended end oflatch release rod 51 is provided with a forwardly directed tab portion54. Forwardly directed tab portion 54 is detailed to be located inposition to be contacted by cam element located on commode lid 22. Acompression spring 55 is provided around latch release rod 51 abovesleeve means 53 and is trapped between sleeve 53 and a retaining ring 56fixed in axially set location relative to rod 51 whereby spring 55 willspring urge rod 51 to a upwardly displaced position. The extent ofupward movement of rod 51 is controlled by a limit stop pin 57 which islocated below sleeve means 53. A lower depending edge of latch releaserod 51 is supported directly above an extended portion of latchmechanism 47 whereby a downward displacement of rod 51 by a cam element25 will effect a counterclockwise rotation of latch 47. Acounterclockwise rotation of latch 47 by rod 51 will unlatch surface 50from a rear edge of closure element 36, allowing the spring 42 to returnclosure element 36 to an open position.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, air chamber includes blower air circulation meansfor directing a flow of air through the louvered wall 34. Blower meansincludes two conventional blower elements 60, 61. Blower elements 60, 61are supported by conventional support means (not shown) immediatelybelow closure element track support means 40, 41. Blower elements 60, 61include discharge conduit means 62, 63 for directing a flow of airthrough the louvered wall surface 34. Wall 34 includes a number ofinclined louvered elements 34a effective for directing a flow of airacross the passageway of air chamber 30 and downwardly toward thecombustion chamber 70, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.Blower elements 60, 61 include conventional electrical control elements(not shown) automatically operable, as will be described in more detailhereinbelow in the description of the operation of the incineratingcommode- INCINERATING MEANS As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the incineratingmeans is located below and operatively associated with the dischargepassageway extending through air chamber means 30. Incinerating means 70includes a substantially rectangularly shaped body portion 71 containinga solid waste combustion chamber 74. Extending rearwardly from bodyportion 71 is a second body portion 72 having converging wall surfaceportion for defining a liquid waste evaporation chamber 81. An elongatedsubstantially rectangular conduit means 73 is connected adjacent theconverging end of body portion 72 and extends rearwardly therefrom. Asshown in FIGS.-

2 and 3, the incinerator body portion 71 includes an incineratingchamber 74. Incinerating chamber 74 is substantially rectangular inconstruction and defines an upwardly open receptacle supported inalignment with the passageway of air chamber 30 and aligned with thedischarge opening 14 of commode body 10 whereby waste materialintroduced into the commode body 10 can fall by gravity through opening14, through air chamber 30 and into the combustion chamber 74.Combustion chamber 74 is formed for a supporting floor structure 75 withside wall means 76, 77 extending vertically upward from the floor means.The forward or left edges (FIG. 2) of bottom wall 75 and side wall 76,77 are joined by an end wall 78. As shown in FIG. 2, the combustionchamber 74 includes an inclined wall member 79 which extends laterallybetween side wall 76, 77. Inclined wall 79 terminates above the bottomwall 75 and is laterally spaced from side walls 76, 77 to define a ashdischarge opening 80 around the exposed edges thereof.

As shown in FIG. 2, an evaporation chamber 81 is located adjacentcombustion chamber 74. Evaporation chamber 81 includes a bottom wall 82which is connected in downwardly displaced relationship with the bottomwall 75 of combustion chamber 74. Evaporation chamber bottom wall 82extends rearwardly in a substantially horizontal relationship andincludes an upwardly inclined right end portion 83. Evaporation chamber81 is provided with a pair of side wall members 84 (only one of which isshown in FIG. 2, but is to be understood that a second side wall similarto 84 would be provided such that the side wall 84 will extend upwardlyalong opposite lateral side edges of bottom 82). Side walls 84 areconnected to and extend rearwardly or rightward from the side walls 76,77 of combustion chamber 74. Evaporation chamber 81 is provided with adownwardly inclined top wall 85 for defining a substantially enclosedconduit means surrounding the evaporated chamber 81, with an entranceopening 80 located adjacent the combustion chamber and with an exitopening 86 connected in flow communication with an elongated conduitmember 87.

As shown in FIG. 2, a baffle member 88 is provided along the uppersurface of bottom wall 82 and extending between side walls 84. Thebottom wall 82 and baffle 88 defines a reservoir means for retaining theliquid waste discharged into the incinerator means. The baffle element88 operates to retain the liquid in the evaporation chamber 81 inclosest possible relationship with the combustion chamber 74, wherebythe liquid waste can be evaporated from'intense heat developed in thecombustion chamber, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.Discharge conduit 87 is provided with an overflow pipe 89. Pipe 89 isadapted to be connected to conventional sewage disposal lines.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the incinerator means includes a confinedpassageway defined adjacent the combustion chamber front wall 78 andextending rearwardly adjacent the combustion chamber bottom wall 75 andside wall 76, 77 with the confined passageway extending rearwardly andsurrounding the wall structures of the evaporation chamber 84 and thewall surface portions of the elongated conduit means 87. The confinedpassageway is defined around the combustion chamber 74, evaporationchamber 81 and elongated conduit means 87 by providing wall surfaceportions 75a, 76a, 77a, etc. supported in space parallel relationshiprelative to an associated wall structure of the combustion chamber 75,evaporation chamber 81 and conduit means 87.

As shown in FIGS. l-3, the incinerator means 70 is provided with aclosure element 90 supported for movement between an open and closedcondition above the combustion chamber 74. With the closure element 90in an open condition, the combustion chamber 74 will be open forreceiving waste material transferred through the air chamber from thecommode body and with the closure element 90 in a closed position, thecombustion chamber 74 is substantially closed and sealed for acombustion operation. With the closure element 90 in a closed position,the upper surface will provide a deflecting surface for deflecting theair flow from the blower means 60, 61 over the end wall 78 and side wall76, 77 and into the confined passageway for cooling the combustionchamber.

Closure element 90 is supported adjacent a lower edge of air chamber 30and adjacent an upper edge of combustion chamber 74 by means of a guidetrack assembly 91. Guide track assembly 91 defines an outwardly directedsubstantially U-shaped notched portion 92 operable for slidablysupporting closure element 90. Guide track assembly 92 includes a baseportion 93 located across end wall 78 in spaced relationship with wall78a to define an opening 93a therebetween. Guide track 92 includes apair of leg portions 94, 95 extending along an upper edge of side walls76, 77. The guide track assembly leg portions 94, 95 extend rearwardlybeneath the blower elements 60, 61 and are detailed in rearward lengthto support the closure element 90 in a displaced open position. Theguide track U-shaped notch portion 92 of the track base portion and legportions 94, 95 are horizontally aligned relative to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the closure element 90 is normally urged to aretracted open position by a tension spring 96. Tension spring 96 isconnected adjacent one end into fixed support rod 44 and is connectedadjacent an opposite end to a laterally extending rod element 97 fixedto a rear edge of closure element 90. C10- sure element 90 is moved to aforward closed position by a control element 98 which extends forwardlyfrom rod element 97. Control element 98 includes an upwardly extendinghandle grip portion 99 which will permit an operator to grasp the handleto move the closure element 90 to the forwardly closed position. Thehandle gripping portion 99 extends upwardly and is located behind handlegripping portion 46, whereby a forward movement of handle 99 will alsomove handle 46 to a closed position. Closure element is latched in aforward closed position by means of a time control latched element 100.Time control latch 100 is supported adjacent an upper lateral edge ofincinerator front wall 78a. Time control latch element 100 is detailedin location for latching engagement with a latched notched portion 101formed on a forwardly extending end of control element 98. Latch element100 includes a camming surface portion which will contact a forward edgeof control elements 98 and be biased inward during a forward movement ofcontrol element 98. After the control element 98 has reached a forwardlimit position to effect closure of element 90, the recess notch portion101 will be positioned relative to latch element 100 whereby the latchelement will be spring urged outwardly to a latched position relativethereto. The time control latched element 100 includes conventional timecontrol mechanism (not shown) located within a support housing 102. Anadjustable control means 103 is operatively associated with the timingmechanism whereby the timer can be adjusted for releasing the latch 100after a predetermined length of time. The cycle of operation of the timecontrol mechanism 100 and closure element 90 operating cycle will bedescribed in more detail hereinbelow.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the combustion chamber 74of the incinerating means 70 is provided with a conventional heat sourcemeans 110. Heat source means includes a conventional electrical blowermeans 111 operatively associated therewith for directing a flow of airthrough a burner nozzle means 112. Burner nozzle means 112 is mounted inthe incinerator end wall structures 78, 78a, with the burner nozzle 112including a passageway 113 connected in flow communication withcombustion chamber 74. The heat source means 110 is provided with aconventional burner element (not shown) which is furnished with aheating fuel through a supply line 114 from a storage tank 115. Theburner element is cyclically controlled by a conventional timedcontrolled mechanism, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow,for developing a flame which can be directed through passageway 113 intothe combustion chamber 74 by the blower means 1 1 1.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a supply conduit means 116 extends throughthe incinerator end wall 78, 78a for dispensing a quantity of fluid,such as water, into the combustion chamber for purging the incineratorof any ash that may remain therein. Conduit means is controlled by aconventional valve means 117 for dispensing the fluid medium into thecombustion chamber when desired.

As shown in FIGS. 2-6, the combustion chamber 74 is provided with ahorizontally aligned grate means 120. Grate means 120 includes aplurality of elongated rod elements 121. Elongated rod elements 121 aresupported at their opposite ends in combustion chamber side walls 76,77. The elongated rod elements 121 are supported in spaced horizontallyaligned relationship to define space therebetween to allow wastematerial to be discharged therethrough during a waste comminutingoperation, as will be described below. As shown in FIG. 2, the uppersurfaces of each of the elongated elements 121 are provided with abeveled or sharpened upper edge 122. The sharpened upper edge 122 of thegrate means will cooperate with moveable comminuting elements during acomminuting operation. Grate means 120 provides a supporting surface onwhich the waste can be deposited as it falls from the commode body 10.

Waste which is deposited on the grate means 120 is reduced in particlesize during an incineration operation by a pair of oscillatingcomminuting assemblies 125, 126. Each of the comminuting assemblies 125,126 includes an elongated rod element 127 which is supported at itsopposite ends by conventional bearing support means (not shown) incombustion chamber front wall 78 and bracket means 128 which extend fromcombustion chamber side walls 76, 77. The rod elements 127 are supportedabove and in substantially parallel relationship with the plane of thegrate means 120. The comminuting assembly 125 is supported adjacent thecombustion chamber side wall 76 and comminuting assembly 126 issupported adjacent the combustion chamber side wall 77. Each of thecomminuting rod elements 127 includes a plurality of radially extendingcomminuting fingers 129. The comminuting fingers 129 are detailed inaxially spaced relationship along rod support elements 127 whereby thecomminuting fingers are substantially centered relative to the spacebetween the grate rods 121. The radial length of comminuting fingers 129are detailed such that the fingers of each of the comminuting assemblies125, 126 extend substantially midway of the grate assembly 120,substantially as shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the comminuting rod supporting elements 127includes an end portion 130 which extends outwardly of the incineratinghousing front wall 78a. The comminuting rod elements 127 are supportedfor oscillating movement within the incinerating housing wall structures78, 78a and in the support brackets 128 whereby the comminuting fingerscan be oscillated in a comminuting operation. The comminuting fingers129 are normally supported in a vertically oriented position, as shownin FIG. 6, with the fingers in substantially parallel relationship withthe combustion chamber side walls 76, 77. In a comminuting operation,fingers 129 are moved downwardly through the passageways formed betweengrate rod elements 121 to a lower limit position, substantially as shownin FIG. 6.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1, and 6, the comminuting assemblies125, 126 are oscillated in a comminuting operation by means of a pair ofmotor drive means 131, 132. The motor drive means are supported onopposite side walls 76a, 77a, respectively. Each of the motor drivemeans 131, 132 includes a driving output shaft 133 which extendsforwardly therefrom in substantially parallel relationship to thecomminuting assembly support rods 127. The outer end of drive shafts 133are provided with a radially extending arm means 134. The extended ends130 of each of the supporting rods are provided with radially extendingcrank arms 135. A drive is delivered from the motor arms 134 to crankarms 135 by elongated link members 136. Since the motor arm means 134 isof a shorter radius than crank arms 135, a rotary motion of arms 134will effect an oscillating motion of crank arms 135.

During a comminuting cycle of operation, motors 131, 132 are energizedand the motor arm means 134 are rotated to effect an oscillatingmovement of the comminuting assembly crank arms 135. A one cycle ofoscillating movement of crank arms will move the comminuting fingers 129from their upwardly directed home position, downwardly to their limitposition displaced through the space between grate rods 121, and willthen return the comminuting fingers to their upwardly directed homeposition. In operation, the motor drive means 131, 132 are energized fora predetermined period of time during the incinerating operation tocontinually oscillate the comminuting fingers 129, to

sufficiently reduce the particle size of any waste material supported onthe grate 120.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the combustion chamber 74 is provided with aroller comminuting means 140. Comminuting roller is supported in rollingengagement with the combustion chamber bottom wall 75. Roller 140 isrotatably supported by an axially extending shaft 141 which is connectedby a bracket means 142 to a vertically oriented rod means 143. Oppositeends of rod 143 are rotatably supported by the combustion chamber bottomwall 75 and by the base portion 93 of the guide track assembly 91,substantially as shown in FIG. 2. Bracket means 42 is fixed byconventional means to the rod 43 whereby an angular movement of rod 43will effect a corresponding angular displacement of roller 140. Rod 143includes a forwardly extending arm 144 connected to an upwardly extendedend thereof. Arm 144 is connected by an elongated horizontally orientedrod member 145 to a compression spring means 146. Rod 145 extendsthrough an opening provided in air chamber side wall 33. The compressionspring 146 is trapped between wall'33 and a retaining ring means 147which is fixed to the outer end of rod 145. Compression spring means 146will operate to spring bias shaft 143 in a counterclockwise direction,as shown in FIG. 4, to maintain the comminuting roller 140 in abuttingengagement with the combustion chamber side wall 76.

The comminuting roller 140 is driven in a comminuting operation when thecombustion chamber closure element 90 is advanced to an open position bytension spring 96. Movement of closure element 90 is transferred to thecomminuting roller 140 by a latch assembly 148. Latch assembly 148 ispivotally supported by bracket means 149 to a left forward edge ofclosure element 90, as shown in FIG. 4. Latch assembly 148 is normallyurged in a counterclockwise direction about bracket support means 149,by a conventional spring means (not shown). Latch 149 includes aforwardly directed camming portion 150 adapted to move in cammingengagement with a laterally extending arm 151. Laterally extending arm151 is fixed in substantially horizontal relationship to verticallyoriented rod 143. Latch 149 includes a vertically oriented latchingsurface 152. The latching assembly 149 and location of the lateral ann151 are detailed such that a movement of closure element 90 to a closedposition will effect a latching engagement of latch 149 with arm 151.

When closure element 90 is released by the time control latch 100 and isspring urged to an open position by tension spring 96, latch 149 willrotate shaft 143 in a clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 4, until thelatch mechanism 149 disengages from arm 151.. The amount of rotarymovement of shaft 143 by latch assembly 149 is detailed to effectmovement of roller 1411 from a position adjacent combustion chamber sidewall 76 to a position adjacent the combustion chamber front wall 78.After the latch assembly 149 has disengaged from arm 151, compressionspring 146 will again spring urge the comminuting roller 140 in acounterclockwise direction to return the roller to its original homeposition adjacent combustion chamber side wall 76. The comminutingroller 140 is detailed for rolling engagement with the bottom surface ofcombustion 74 whereby a cycle of movement of the roller over the bottomwall 75 will comminute ash by-products of combustion located oncombustion chamber bottom 75. As shown in FIG. 2, the comminuting rolleris spring urged into rolling engagement with bottom 75 by a compressionspring 154. Spring 154 surrounds rod 143 and is trapped between thebottom surface of base member 93 and a retaining ring 155 fixedin anaxially set position on rod 143.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 1 and 7, the incinerating means 70includees filter means 156 operatively associated with the discharge endof incinerator wall structure means 73 and the discharge end ofelongated conduit means 87. Filter means 156 includes a substantiallyvertically oriented housing 157. Housing 157 is connected in fluid flowcommunication with the discharge end of incinerator housing 73. Housing157 includes a passageway 158 extending upwardly therethrough. Theby-products of combustion will be discharged outwardly through conduit87 into passageway 158. The cooling air directed outwardly through theconfined passageway between housing 73 and conduit 87 will also bedirected upwardly through passageway 158. Filter housing 157 includes areduced neck portion 159. A filter cannister means 160 is supported onthe reduced neck portion 159. The air filter cannister means 160includes a dome-shaped top portion 161. Releaseably connected around theperipheral edges of dome 161 is an annular ash retaining member 162. Thefilter cannister means 160 is supported on the reduced neck portion 159by a sleeve means 163. Sleeve 163 is detailed to fit around the reducedneck portion 159 and is provided with conventional adjustable connectingmeans (not shown) whereby the dome cannister can be readily removedtherefrom as needed. Filter cannister 160 includes an annular air flowpassage 164 provided between mounting sleeve 153 and ash retainingmember 162. The interior of the filter cannister is connected in flowcommunication with the annular passageway 164 by a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced apertures 165 located in an annular flangeportion extending from sleeve 163 to the ash retaining member 162.

As shown by the arrows in FIG. 7, air flow directed outwardly throughconduit means 87 will pass upwardly through passageway 158 into thefilter cannister 160. The dome-shaped housing 161 of the filtercannister 160 will direct the flow of air outwardly and downwardly intothe ash retaining member 162. Air flowing downwardly into member 162will circulate and flow back upwardly, outwardly through the apertures165 and down through the passageway 164. Particles of ash by-products ofcombustion which are conveyed outwardly through the conduit means 87 ina combustion chamber purging operation will be retained in the ashretaining member 162. An adjustable connection between the sleeve 163and reduced neck portion 169 will allow the filter cannister 160 to beremoved whereby the ash by-products can be discharged therefrom whenneeded.

As shown in FIG. 7, the filter means 156 includes a second filtercannister 166. Filter cannister 166 includes a sleeve portion 167 whichis secured to a outwardly extending conduit element 168. Conduit element168 is fixed to the lower surface of filter housing 156 and defines apassageway extending therethrough whereby air and heavy particles of ashby-products of combustion can fall therethrough into the filtercannister 166. The sleeve 167 is provided with conventional connectingmeans, such as threads, whereby the cannister 166 can be readily removedand the ash byproducts emptied as needed.

As shown in FIG. 7, filter cannister 166 includes a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced apertures 169 which are located in an annularflange extending between the cannister housing and cannister sleeveportion 167. Air flow in the filter cannister 166 will be directedupwardly and outwardly through the apertures 167 with the ashby-products being trapped within the cavity portion of the cannister166.

The elongated discharge conduit 87 includes an upturned end portion 87awhich is substantially coaxially aligned relative to the passageway 158of housing 157. Air directed outwardly through conduit 87 in acombustion chamber purging operation will flow upwardly through theupturned end portion 87a into the passageway 158, as indicated by theair flow arrow pattern of FIG. 7. The upturned end portion 87a ofconduit means 87 is provided with deflecting members 8712. Each of thedeflecting members 87b is provided with aperture means 870 immediatelyrearward thereof. The heavy ash by-products of combustion which are notconveyed upwardly by the air flow passing through upturned portion 87awill fall by gravity downwardly through the apertures 870 into thefilter cannister 166.

FLUSHING MEANS Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the incineratingcommode includes means for dispensing a predetermined quantity offlushing liquid into the commode body 10. The flushing liquid isprovided for cleansing the surface portions 13 of the commode body ofany waste retained thereon. The flushing means 170 includes a storagereceptacle 171 having an input supply line 172. A conventional valvecontrol means 173 is provided for dispensing a predetermined quantity offluid contained in storage tank 171 through a discharge conduit 174. Thedischarge conduit 174 is connected in flow communication with adispensing manifold 175 located around the upper peripheral edge ofcommode body 10. g

A dispensing manifold 175 includes a plurality of axially spacedapertures which is detailed for directing a supply of fluid outwardlyagainst the commode body wall surfaces 13. Flushing receptacle 170 isprovided with conventional control means for maintaining the amount offlushing fluid in receptacle 171 at a predetermined level. THe flushingmeans 170 is operable for flushing a supply of water to cleanse thecommode body or is operable for flushing a supply of water which isadapted to be mixed with a chemical solution in the commode receptacleand dispensed therefrom in a conventional manner. Control handle means173 is operable whereby movement of the control handle 173 to a numberof adjusted positions will regulate the amount of fluid dispensed intothe commode body during a flushing operation.

A chemical solution can be effectively mixed by conventional meanswithin the storage receptacle 171 whereby a desirable scent ismaintained in the commode and, further, the chemical solution can beregulated whereby a combustion operation will produce a desirable scentin the area surrounding the commode.

The flushing liquid dispensed by manifold 175 will flow downwardly overthe commode body surface portions 13 and will be discharged through exitopening 14. The liquid discharged through exit opening 14 will flow bygravity down through the air chamber and into the combustion chamber 74.The liquid entering combustionchamber 74 will flow by gravity along thelower wall of combustion chamber 74, which is slightly inclined toensure that the liquid will pass outwardly through opening 80 into theevaporation chamber 81. The liquid entering evaporation chamber 81 willbe retained therein by the baffle member 88 to be evaporated in anincinerating operation. Should the amount of flushing liquid be greaterthan the capacity of the liquid trap means defined by the baffle member88, the excessive amount of liquid will flow outwardly through theoverflow conduit means 89. The cycle of flushing and evaporationoperation will be described in more detail hereinbelow in thedescription of the operation of the incinerating commode.

MODIFICATION OF THE FILTER MEANS As shown in FIG. 6, a modifiedarrangement 200 of the filter means is provided. Due to somerequirements in a building construction, it is desirable to provide ameans whereby the filter means can be located at a position angularlydisplaced below the incinerating commode or angularly displacedlaterally to one side of the incinerating commode. One form of anangularly displaced filter means 200 is shown in FIG. 8, wherein thefilter means is angularly offset below the incinerating commode. Theangular offset arrangement of the filter means 200 will reduce theoverall length of the incinerating commode, allowing the incineratingcommode to be placed in a more confined area. The filter means 200 shownin FIG. 8 is substantially identical to the filter means 156 shown inFIG. 7. The filter means 200 of FIG. 8 is displaced downwardly byforming the discharge conduit 87 to include an angularly inclinedportion 87a and to form the incinerator housing '73 to include anangularly inclined portion 73a. A plurality of liquid trap elements 87ais provided on the downwardly inclined wall 87a for trapping andretaining liquid passing therealong in as close as possible locationrelative to the evaporation chamber 81 whereby the water will not enterthe filter means. Any water trapped by elements 87b will be evaporateddue to intense heat developed in the combustion chamber 74 and directedoutwardly through the evaporating chamber 81 and through conduit means87. Still other arrangements of the filter means relative to the commodemeans can be provided by extending the conduit means 87 and housingmeans 73 in various angular directions relative to the incineratingcommode 10.

FIRST MODIFICATION OF WASTE COMMINUTING MEANS As shown in FIG. 9, amodified waste comminuting means 300 is provided in operativeassociation within the lower portion of combustion chamber 74. Themodified waste comminuting means 300 includes a plurality of rotatablebeater means 301. Each of the rotatable beater means 301 is rotatablysupported by cross supporting shafts 302. Cross supporting shafts 302are supported at opposite ends by the combustion chamber side wallmeans. Each of the rotatable beater means 301 includes a plurality ofsets of radially extending arm means 303. A set of radially extended armmeans is angularly aligned relative to each other and includes a plateelement 304 extending therebetween. One radi-.

ally extending arm 303 of a set. is positioned substantially adjacentone of the side walls of the combustion chamber and a second arm of aset is positioned adjacent an opposite side wall of the combustionchamber, with the length of plate member 34 extending therebetween. Thesets of radially extending arms 303 are angularly positioned aroundsupporting shafts 302 at approximately 90 relative to each other.

As shown in FIG. 9, adjacent rotary elements 302 are detailed in angularalignment relative to each other whereby radially extending arms of onerotary element will overlap and extend into the space betweenadjacentrearwardly extending arms of an adjacent rotary element. THe angularoverlapping relationship of adjacent rotary beater means will provide aneffective means for receiving and reducing the particle size of' SECONDMODIFICATION OF THE COMMINUTING MEANS Referring now particularly toFIGS. 10 and 11, a second modification 400 of the waste comminutingmeans is shown. The waste comminuting means 400 is opera-.

tively associated with the combustion chamber 74 for receiving andcomminuting waste discharged therein. The comminuting means 400 shown inFIGS. 10 and 1 1 include a plurality of rotary beating elements 401. Ro-I tary beater elements 401 are supported by cross support shafts 402.Cross support shafts 402 are rotatably supported at their opposite endby the combustion chamber side walls 76, 77, as shown in FIG. 11. Eachof the rotary beater elements 401 includes a plurality,

of radially extending comminuting fingers 403. The comminuting fingers403 are axially and circumferentially spaced relative to their supportshaft 402.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the comminuting means 400 includes ahorizontally aligned grate means 405. Grate means 405 includes aplurality of laterally spaced rod elements 406. Opposite ends of rodelements 406 are supported by a pair of cross support bars 407. Bars 407are supported in the combustion chamber side walls 76, 77. The rodelements 406 are supported in spaced parallel relationship below a lineextending through the axis of the rotary beater elements 401. Thecomminuting fingers 403 of the rotary beater elements are detailed inaxially spaced location to extend within the space defined between thelaterally spaced rods 406.

As shown in FIG. 11, each of the support shafts 402 includes an endwhich extends through the combustion chamber side wall 76 and outwardlythrough the incinerator housing side wall 76a. The extended ends ofsupport shafts 402 are provided with intermeshing gear drive means408410. Gear 4'10 is provitied with a motor drive means 411. A drivefrom motor 411 is delivered to gear 410 and is transferred throughintermeshing gears 408, 409 to effect rotary movement of the beaterelements 401. The above described modification of the comminuting meansis effective for reducing the particle size of waste to be incinerated.

MODIFICATION OF THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER COMMINUTING AND COOLING MEANS Asshown in FIGS. and 16, a modified arrangement 500 of the combustionchamber cooling means and combustion chamber comminuting means isprovided. The combustion chamber 74 of FIG. 15, 16 includes a sealedconfined passageway surrounding the front, sides and rear portion of thecombustion chamber 74. The confined passageway 501 is detailed forcontaining a supply of cooling medium, such as water, therein which isused for cooling the combustion chamber and also used for supplying asource of hot water which can be used in the bathroom area. The watercooling passageway 501 is provided with an input supply means 502 and anoutput supply means 503. A supply of water is pumped through supplyconduit 502 into the passageway 501 and is confined therein to be usedin cooling the combustion chamber during an incinerating operation andis capable of being discharged through an output supply conduit 503 toconventional hot water utilization means provided in the bathroom area.

The combustion chamber provided in the modification shown in FIGS. 15and 16 is formed to include an arcuate-shaped bottom wall means 504.Supported above and in spaced relationship with arcuate bottom wall 504is an arcuate-shaped grate means 505. Grate means 505 is constructed ofa plurality of laterally spaced grate rod means 507, detailed in lengthto extend between the combustion chamber side walls 76, 77 and detailedin spacing to extend the distance between front wall 780 and rear wall79c. The modified combustion chamber 74 includes a rotatable comminutingelement 510. Rotary comminuting element 510 includes a support shaft511. Shaft 511 is supported at its opposite ends within combustionchamber wall means 780 and 79c. The rotary comminuting means 510includes a plurality of radially extending comminuting fingers 512.Comminuting fingers 512 are angularly and axially spaced relative tosupport shaft 511, with the comminuting fingers being detailed inlocation to extend within spaces provided between rod elements 507 ofthe grate means 505. In a comminuting opera tion, the rotary comminutingmeans 510 is driven by conventional motor drive means (not shown) suchthat the comminuting fingers 512 will cooperate with the grate rodelements 507 to effectively reduce the size of particles of waste to beincinerated.

The combustion chamber of FIGS. 15 and 16 includes an elongatedcomminuting roller 515 which is coaxially supported by arm support means516. Arm means 516 are rotatably supported by shaft 511. Conventionalpower operating means (not shown) is operatively associated with thecomminuting roller 515 for advancing the comminuting roller 515 from afirst home position shown in FIG. 16 along the arcuate bottom 504 to aposition substantially displaced 180 relative thereto and then returnedthe comminuting roller to the original home position. The comminutingroler 515 is driven through a comminuting cycle after an incineratingoperation has been completed and prior to a purging operation of thecombustion chamber.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the combustion chamber includes a pair ofheat source means 520, 530. The heat source means 520, 530 includesconventional blower means 521, 531, respectively. Extending forwardlyfrom the blower means 520, 530 are burner nozzles 522, 532. The burnernozzles 522, 532 are supported adjacent the corners provided betweencombustion chamber wall members 760, 77c and 78c. The burner nozzlemeans 522, 532 are supported and directed downardly whereby apressurized flame means produced by the burner nozzle will be directedonto the grate means 505 to effectively incinerate any waste materiallocated in the combustion chamber.

Since the combustion chamber modification shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 doesnot include blower means for cooling the combustion chamber, the blowermeans 521, 531 associated with the heat source means will effectivelypurge the unwanted gases and ash by-products of combustion from thecombustion chamber after an incinerating operation. The purgingoperation can be performed by automatically distinguishing the flamemeans of the burner nozzle and utilizing the blower means to force airthrough the combustion chamber and outwardly through the associatedconduit means 87 described hereinabove.

MODIFICATION OF THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER HEAT SOURCE MEANS As shown inFIGS. 12-14, a modification 600 of the combustion chamber heat sourcemeans is provided. The combustion chamber shown in FIGS. 1214 issubstantially identical to the combustion chambers shown in FIGS. l7with the exception that the heat source means provided in FIGS. 17 hasbeen omitted and replaced by a pair of heat source means 601, 602. Theheat source means 601, 602 are substantially identical to the heatsource means 110 provided in FIGS. 17 and includes blower means 602, 603and burner nozzle means 604, 605. 7

As shown in FIG. 14, the burner nozzle means 604, 605 are angleddownwardly whereby the pressurized flame passing therethrough will bedirected onto the surface of the combustion chamber grate meansdescribed hereinabove. The use of a pair of heat source means willsubstantially increase the heat within the combustion chamber and willdecrease the time required to effect a waste incinerating operation.Directing the heat source flame directly onto the grate means willimprove the incinerating operation.

OPERATION Prior to utilizing the incinerating commode embodying theprinciples of the present invention, an individual must raise theclosure lid means 22. Raising the closure lid means 22 will advance thecam means 25 into contact with the arm 54 of the latch release rod 51.Movement of the latch release rod 51 will rotate latch means 47 to alatch releasing position whereby the closure means 36 can be springurged to an open position, as described hereinabove. With the closuremeans 36,

90 in an open position, the incinerating commode 10 is ready to be used.

After an individual has used the incinerating commode to deposit wastetherein, the incinerating commode is conditioned for an incineratingoperation by operating the flush control handle 173 to dispense apredetermined quantity of flushing or cleansing fluid into the commodebody 10. The flushing or cleansing fluid will flow from the commode bodythrough the air chamber 30, combustion chamber 74 and into theevaporating chamber 81 as described hereinabove. After a flushingoperation has been completed, the incinerating commode is conditionedfor an incinerating cycle by closing the lid 22, grasping the handlegripping element 99 and moving the closure element 90 to a forward latchposition in engagement with the timer mechanism 100 describedhereinabove. Since the handle element 99 of closure element 90 extendsupwardly behind the handle gripping portion 46 of closure element 36,movement of the closure element 90 will also move the closure element 36to a closed position allowing the latch 47 to engage the rear surface ofclosure element 36 and hold closure element 36 in a closed position.

A latching engagement of the timer mechanism 100 will operate throughconvention electrical control mechanism (not shown) to initiate a cycleof operation of the heat source means 110. With the closure elements 36,90 latched in a closed position, the heat source means 110 is initiatedto operate for a predetermined time cycle of operation. During a cycleof operation of heat source means 110, a pressurized flame means will bedirected outwardly through passageway 114 into the combustion chamber 74and will develop an intense heat capable of completely incinerating anywaste located within the combustion chamber. Simultaneously with theinitiation of the heat source cycle of operation, the motor means 131,132 will be energized to drive the comminuting assemblies 125, 126through a cycle of comminuting operation. Substantially simultaneouslywith the initiation of a cycle of operation of the heat source means110, the timer control mechanism will effect operation of the blowerelements 60, 61 to direct a flow of cooling air through the confinedpassageway surrounding the combustion chamber, as described hereinabove.

After the heat source means 110 has been operated through apredetermined timed cycle of operation, the timer mechanism will stopoperation of the heat source means, allowing the blower means associatedtherewith to continue operating. When the timer mechanism completes atimed cycle of operation of the. heat source means, the latch mechanism100 will release, allowing the closure element 90 to be spring urged toan open position.

Movement of the closure element 90 to the open position will effect anoscillating cycle of operation of the comminuting roller 140 to reducethe size of ash remaining in the combustion chamber after anincinerating operation.

With the closure element 90 in an open position, a

continued operation of the blower means 111 and of the blower means 60,61 will direct a flow of air through the combustion chamber 74,rearwardly through the evaporation chamber 84, and along conduit means87, to purge the combustion chamber of any gas and ash by-products ofcombustion. During the purging cycle of operation, the by-products ofcombustion will be directed outwardly through the filter means 156 andfiltered in a manner as described hereinabove.

After the blower means 60, 61 and 111 have operated for a predeterminedtime, sufficiently to purge the combustion chamber of the by-products ofcombus tion, the conventional time control mechanism will deenergize theelectrical motors associated therewith to stop operation of the blowermeans. After a cycle of incinerating operation and a cycle of combustionchamber purging operation have been completed, the closure element 36located above the air chamber will re-- main closed until the closurelid means 22 is again raised to an open position, at which time theclosure lid means 36 will be spring urged rearwardly to condition theincinerating commode for use in a manner as de.-- scribed hereinabove.

The above described purging cycle of operation of the combustion chamberstated that the blower means 60, 61 and 111 would be utilized to purgethe combustion chamber of the unwanted by-products of combustion.However, a fluid means such as water could be introduced through thesupply line 115 by operating the valve control means 116. Introductionof a supply of fluid into the combustion chamber through supply line 15would operate to wash any ash by-products of combustion outwardlythrough the evaporation chamber and into the overflow conduit 89.Movement of a cleansing fluid through the combustion chamber will alsoserve to purge the combustion chamber of the unwanted gas by-products ofcombustion.

It now becomes apparent that the above described illustrativeembodiments embodying the principles of the present invention arecapable of obtaining the above stated objects and advantages. It isobvious that those skilled in the art may make modifications in thedetails of construction without departing from the spirit of theinvention which is to be limited only by the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. An incinerating commode for use in disposing of human wastecomprising, in combination:

a. a commode body defining means permitting human waste to be introducedtherein;

b. a combustion chamber operatively associated with said commode bodyfor receiving said waste introduced into said commode body, saidcombustion chamber including means defining a confined passagewaysurrounding said combustion chamber;

0. cyclically operable heat source means operatively associated withsaid combustion chamber for incinerating waste contained therein;

d. selectively operable control means for initiating a cycle ofoperation of said heat source means;

e. first air circulation means operatively associated with saidcombustion chamber for creating a flow of cooling air through saidpassageway surrounding said combustion chamber; and,

f. second air circulation means operatively associated with saidcombustion chamber for directing the heat source means into saidcombustion chamber, and wherein said first air circulation means andsaid second air circulation means are cyclically controlled for combinedoperation to direct a combined flow of air through said combustionchamber after a predetermined time cycle of operation of said heatsource means whereby said combined flow of air will purge saidcombustion chamber of gas and ash by-products of combustion.

2. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterizedin that said combustion chamber includes an elongated discharge conduitmeans for conveying said by-products of combustion away from saidcombustion chamber and wherein filter means is operatively associatedtherewith for removing the ash byproducts of combustion from air forcedthrough said conduit means during a purging cycle of operation of saidcombustion chamber.

3. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterizedin that means is operatively associated with said commode for reducingthe particle size of said waste to be incinerated.

4. An incinerating commode as described inclaim 1 further characterizedin that means is operatively associated with said combustion chamber forcomminuting the ash remaining in said combustion chamber after anincinerating operation and prior to said automatic purging cycle ofoperation.

5. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterizedin that said combustion chamber includes means for trapping liquid wastematerial introduced therein and for holding said liquid waste materialat a location whereby the intense heat developed in said combustionchamber during an incinerating operation will evaporate said liquidwaste.

6. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterizedin that said combustion chamber includes a grate means supported thereinfor receiving waste to be incinerated and wherein a plurality ofcomminuting elements are operatively associated with said grate meansand controlled for movement relative thereto for reducing the particlesize of waste material supported on said grate means to be incinerated.

7. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterizedin that said combustion chamber includes a roller means supported insaid combustion chamber for rolling contact with a bottom surfaceportion of said combustion chamber and including cyclically operablecontrol means for effecting movement of said roller means over saidsurface portion of said combustion chamber to reduce the particles sizeof ash remaining in the combustion chamber after an incineratingoperation.

8. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterizedin that said commode includes selectively operable flushing meansoperatively associated with said commode body, said flushing meansincluding means for dispensing a predetermined amount of cleansing fluidinto said commode body, and wherein said cleansing fluid is transferredinto said combustion chamber, said combustion chamber including meansdefining a liquid trap means for said cleansing fluid and wherein saidheat source means is effective during a cycle of incinerating operationfor vaporizing said cleansing fluid. v

9. An incinerating commode as described in claim 8 further characterizedin that said trap means is located immediately adjacent said combustionchamber for receiving and containing said cleansing fluid forevaporation.

10. An incinerating commode as described in claim 9 furthercharacterized in that overflow means is operatively associated with saidcombustion chamber fluid retaining means whereby an excessive amount ofcleansing fluid can be transferred through said overflow means.

1. An incinerating commode for use in disposing of human wastecomprising, in combination: a. a commode body defining means permittinghuman waste to be introduced therein; b. a combustion chamberoperatively associated with said commode body for receiving said wasteintroduced into said commode body, said combustion chamber includingmeans defining a confined passageway surrounding said combustionchamber; c. cyclically operable heat source means operatively associatedwith said combustion chamber for incinerating waste contained therein;d. selectively operable control means for initiating a cycle ofoperation of said heat source means; e. first air circulation meansoperatively associated with said combustion chamber for creating a flowof cooling air through said passageway surrounding said combustionchamber; and, f. second air circulation means operatively associatedwith said combustion chamber for directing the heat source means intosaid combustion chamber, and wherein said first air circulation meansand said second air circulation means are cyclically controlled forcombined operation to direct a combined flow of air through saidcombustion chamber after a predetermined time cycle of operation of saidheat source means whereby said combined flow of air will purge saidcombustion chamber of gas and ash by-products of combustion.
 2. Anincinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterized inthat said combustion chamber includes an elongated discharge conduitmeans for conveying said by-products of combustion away from saidcombustion chamber and wherein filter means is operatively associatedtherewith for removing the ash by-products of combustion from air forcedthrough said conduit means during a purging cycle of operation of saidcombustion chamber.
 3. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1further characterized in that means is operatively associated with saidcommode for reducing the particle size of said waste to be incinerated.4. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 further characterizedin that means is operatively associated with said combustion chamber forcomminuting the ash remaining in said combustion chamber after anincinerating operation and prior to said automatic purging cycle ofoperation.
 5. An incinerating commode as described in claim 1 furthercharacterized in that said combustion chamber includes means fortrapping liquid waste material introduced therein and for holding saidliquid waste material at a location whereby the intense heat developedin said combustion chamber during an incinerating operation willevaporate said liquid waste.
 6. An incinerating commode as described inclaim 1 further characterized in that said combustion chamber includes agrate means supported therein for receiving waste to be incinerated andwherein a plurality of comminuting elements are operatively associatedwith said grate means and controlled for movement relative thereto forreducing the particle size of waste material supported on said gratemeans to be incinerated.
 7. An incinerating commode as described inclaim 1 further characterized in that said combustion chamber includes aroller means supported in said combustion chamber for rolling contactwith a bottom surface portion of said combustion chamber and includingcyclically operable control means for effecting movement of said rollermeans over said surface portion of said combustion chamber to reduce theparticles size of ash remaining in the combustion chamber after anincinerating operation.
 8. An incinerating commode as described in claim1 further characterized in that said commode includes selectivelyoperable flushing means operatively associated with said commode body,said flushing means including means for dispensing a predeterminedamount of cleansing fluid into said commode body, and wherein saidcleansing fluid is transferred into said combustion chamber, saidcombustion chamber including means defining a liquid trap means for saidcleansing fluid and wherein said heat source means is effective during acycle of incinerating operation for vaporizing said cleansing fluid. 9.An incinerating commode as described in claim 8 further characterized inthat said trap means is located immediately adjacent said combustionchamber for receiving and containing said cleansing fluid forevaporation.
 10. An incinerating commode as described in claim 9 furthercharacterized in that overflow means is operatively associated with saidcombustion chamber fluid retaining means whereby an excessive amount ofcleansing fluid can be transferred through said overflow means.